1. To Follow The Example Set By Christ.
“ At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the
river.” Mark 1:9
2. Because Christ Commands It.
“ Jesus said, ‘...go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...” Matthew 28:19
3. It Demonstrates That I Truly Am A Believer.
“… many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts
18:8
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we
obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3 |
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1. It Illustrates Christ's Death, Burial And Resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins...he was buried...and He rose again.”1
Corinthians 15:3-4
“By our baptism, then, we were buried with Him and
shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised
from the dead...so also may we live a new life.”Romans
6:4
2. It Is Part Of Our Initial Coming To Christ For Forgiveness
Of Sins.
“
...and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins...” Acts
2:38
“And now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized
and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” Acts
22:16
1. Because Jesus Was Baptized That Way.
“ As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water.”
Matthew 3:16
2. Every Baptism In The New Testament Was Done By Immersion.
(Example) “...then both Philip and the man went down
into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came
up out of the water...”
Acts 8:38-39
3. The Word "Baptize" Means "To Immerse In Water."
The Greek word baptizo means to “immerse or dip under
water”.
4. It Best Symbolizes A Burial And Resurrection!
The founders
of denominations agree:
Martin Luther... “I would have those who are to
be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports
and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin... “The word ‘baptize’ signifies
to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice
of the ancient church.”
John Wesley... “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing
by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
Every Person Who Has Believed In Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted the message were
baptized...”Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized...” Acts
8:13
At Island Family, we wait until our children are old enough
to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before
we baptize them.
Some churches practice infant baptism, sometimes called
a “baptism of confirmation”. This ceremony
is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God
on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise
their child in the faith until the child is old enough
to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This
custom began about 300 yrs. after the Bible was completed.
If you were baptized as a child, we affirm the spiritual
concern that your parents or guardians had for you at the
time. However, this is different from the baptism talked
about in the Bible which was only for those old enough
to believe.
At Island Family, it is a membership requirement
that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus
demonstrated,
even though many of us were “confirmed” as
children.
AS SOON AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED!!
“Those who believed...were baptized...that day.” Acts
2:41
“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him
the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along down
the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look,
here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right
now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all
your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I
believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So
they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts
8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided
to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be
baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”,
you’ll never be good enough!
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes!
If each family member understands fully the meaning of
baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her
trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to
be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression
of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are
taken through age-appropriate materials provided by our
children’s ministry, and then a pastor is available
to meet with the child and parent(s) to assess his or her
understanding.
What should I wear when I’m baptized?
We are very casual at IFCC---so anything that is modest
is appropriate. Please bring a change of clothes and a
plastic bag for your wet clothes. If you are being baptized
at the church, changing rooms are provided.
Will I have to say anything?
We only ask that you answer “yes” when asked
if you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son.
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